AC leak causing black mold in bedroom, fix myself first?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle seems to be constantly leaking, and now I’ve found black mold spots on the wall behind the wardrobe in the master bedroom. We run the AC 24/7, especially during the summer, and the room always feels damp. What’s the best way to treat this myself to stop it from coming back, and should I get my building’s maintenance to fix the AC unit first?
Posted by Hendrik Thomas
Asked on May 4, 2026 5:25 am
The AC leak must be fixed first by building maintenance; otherwise, any cleaning is temporary. In Dubai's climate, a constantly running AC creates significant condensation, and a leak provides the constant moisture source mold needs to thrive.

For the existing mold, a small area on a hard surface can sometimes be cleaned with a solution of detergent and water. However, mold on porous materials like drywall often requires cutting out and replacing the affected section after the moisture issue is fully resolved. Given the location behind a wardrobe and the 24/7 dampness, the infestation is likely more extensive than what's visible.

A professional inspection is strongly advised for a case like this. They can identify the exact mold species (some black molds are more problematic than others) and use moisture meters to map the full extent of water damage within the wall cavity. The core remediation process involves isolating the area, removing contaminated materials, HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial treatment.

Ultimately, a permanent solution requires both fixing the AC leak to eliminate the moisture source and properly remediating the mold growth that has already occurred. Your building management is responsible for repairing the AC unit and any damage to the building structure it caused.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 4, 2026 10:14 am